A boost for employability We want to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and bring diverse individuals and skills into our organisation. Whether this is through our schools programmes, careers guidance, bursaries or our support of the Government’s Kickstart programme, our aim is to educate, inspire and connect with our communities. We are offering employment opportunities and employability skills to help people into jobs, which is all the more important as local communities recover from the results of the pandemic. As a significant local employer, we can support the skills base of our region, helping our communities thrive and making the Midlands a hub for technical skills and learning. We have also been encouraging more women and those from different ethnic backgrounds to consider a career in water, or choose Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (‘STEM’) subjects to study. A Community Fund to support the region Launched in January 2020, our Community Fund aims to donate more than £10 million over five years to charitable causes that aim to boost community wellbeing across the Severn Trent region. The fund will award grants of between £2,000 and £200,000 to support local projects, focusing on three elements of community wellbeing: people, places and the environment. Our fund is overseen by an independent panel, made up of customers from across our region, with different interests and backgrounds. They review the strongest applications and make the final decision on where our money goes. We want our grants to reach those communities most in need, so we are focusing our promotion of the fund on social mobility ‘coldspots’. This year, we donated an additional £1 million to support community projects and charities, helping those most in need during the pandemic. Standing by our vulnerable customers Our customers believe water should be affordable for all, and we share that belief. No one should have to worry about struggling to pay for water. Yet over a million households across England and Wales spend more than 5% of their disposable income on water bills. We provide financial support for customers through our Big Difference scheme and social tariffs that can reduce up to 90% of our charge. We also identify customers with additional needs, and make sure they have the right support, especially if their water supply is interrupted. And, as technology advances, we are keeping pace, to ensure our customers can deal with us in the ways that suit them best. Launching the Green Recovery With the water sector asked to play its part in the country’s Green Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we proposed an ambitious package of investments aimed at delivering long-term, sustainable benefits for current and future generations in our region, through improving the environment and also creating jobs. Our Green Recovery investments will directly create around 2,500 jobs in the Midlands at a time when employment, and getting people back into work, is vital for our region. Our investments will make our region greener, safer, more resilient to climate change, and more prosperous. Between 10-90% reduction on our average charge through our Big Difference Scheme Linked SDGs Helping people to thrive Delivering an affordable service for everyone Work with our industry to end water poverty by supporting customers who struggle to pay their bills and providing priority support to those who need it. Investing in skills and knowledge Support the skills base of our people and our region, and inspire the next generation of customers to adopt more sustainable behaviours. Making a positive difference in the community Serve our local communities through community projects and volunteering, and global communities through charity partnerships. Supporting the region Our priorities